Category: Evergreen

Beyond the Classroom: Why One Professor Takes His Students to Compete at Hardscape North America

Brigham Young University’s landscaping program works to shape the next generation of outdoor design professionals. These students have the opportunity to not just learn in the classroom, but to also gain experience on a national stage.

Greg V. Jolley, PLA, ASLA, Professor of Plant and Landscape Systems, often brings a team of students to the annual National Competition at Hardscape North America, where they test their skills against some of the best in the country.

But for Jolley, the competition isn’t just about trophies. It’s about giving students real-world confidence, hands-on experience, and the chance to see themselves as future leaders in the industry.

From Theory to Practice

Jolley’s own path to teaching started after five years of professional practice at a landscape architecture firm in Jackson, Wyoming. When an opening came up at his alma mater in 2003, he jumped at the chance to return. For him, this was a return not just to BYU, but to the same campus where his father had been a professor.

“To be able to go back and have the opportunity to teach in the same place he did, and to be able to teach the topic I loved, it was a no-brainer,” Jolley said.

That real-world experience has proven invaluable in the classroom. Four-year universities excel at teaching theory, Jolley noted, but hands-on skills can be harder to incorporate into the curriculum.

That’s where competitions like Hardscape North America come in.

Hands-On Learning, Real-World Results

BYU has been involved in landscape competitions since the late 1990s, and Jolley has been part of that effort since he arrived back on campus. To bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical skills, he formalized a partnership with BYU’s grounds department in 2003, requiring all students to work there for at least one semester.

“Most students would end up working for more than just one semester,” Jolley said. “They may end up working for two years, three years. If they get into that program early enough, sometimes even gain four years of experience.”

Competitions build on that hands-on foundation by offering a deep dive into specific skills.

“In the case of hardscape installation, just in the preparation leading up to a competition, they can gain hours upon hours of experience,” Jolley said. “It gives them a little bit more depth in the subject than we could otherwise provide as professors or in an academic setting.”

When Jolley asks students about their competition experience, one word comes up repeatedly: invaluable.

“Just to be able to observe professionals doing the work and being able to talk with them and get feedback from them. You have such skilled laborers installing these hardscapes, and just being able to watch them for a couple of rounds of the competition is invaluable,” he said. “I think it generates more ideas in their mind of ways that they can go about their work.”

More Than Just Hard Skills

Jolley also emphasizes that competitions teach soft skills, critical skills that every professional needs.

“We oftentimes think of the install as being just hard skills and that’s it,” he said. “But the soft skills of communication—how do you communicate with one another? How do you problem solve? You might be in the middle of the competition and you have to pivot or adjust what your original strategy was.”

Jolley also encourages his students to stay connected with professional associations, to educate others, and to support their fellow practitioners.

“We want our students to have as they go out into the world a desire to continue to learn and continue to serve in whatever communities that they’re in,” he said.

It’s a philosophy reflected in BYU’s motto: “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.”

“We try and emphasize that to our students that go out into the industry,” Jolley said. And it’s a principle he embodied in his own career trajectory from student to practitioner to educator.

Whether students end up installing patios, designing outdoor spaces, or another industry entirely, the skills and connections they gain at competitions like Hardscape North America become part of a foundation that lasts a lifetime.

Entrepreneur vs. Employee: Which Path is Right for Aspiring Hardscapers?

Every hardscaper faces a big decision at the start of their career: should you begin by building your own business or gain experience by first working for someone else?

Both routes have their pros and cons. Running your own company means independence, but also risk; working as an employee offers stability and mentorship, but less freedom.

If you’re an aspiring hardscaper wondering where to begin, advice from a few industry professionals can help you find the path that fits your personality, goals, and lifestyle.

Learning Then Leading

Dan Hughes, President of Segmental Systems Inc., spent nine years working for a landscape company before eventually purchasing an established hardscape business. That time as an employee was an education.

“I constantly observed how things were done, good and bad, and compared it all to other companies in the area,” Hughes said. “I learned all the basics of landscaping, sprinklers, different construction methods, and even some landscape maintenance.”

More importantly, he gained crucial management experience.

“The longer I was there, the more experience I got running/managing crews, dealing with customers, knowing what we needed for supplies for the day, planning for the next several days, equipment repair and usage,” he said.

However, Hughes is candid about what he didn’t learn as an employee.

“What I never learned was sales, estimating, overhead, payroll, taxes, and the business end of it all,” he said.

When Hughes started working for Segmental Systems with the intent to purchase it, the owner made it his mission to teach him as much as he could during the transition.

Looking back, Hughes appreciates the foundation his employment years provided, but he also acknowledges the value of buying into an established operation.

“You avoid the struggles of having to do all the work yourself while still trying to find work and build a business. That’s a tall hurdle and I applaud those who have done it successfully. It’s a grind to get there for sure. But buying something existing, partnering up with an established business allows you to focus on building and making things better rather on fighting to survive,” Hughes said.

“…If I were to do it all over again, I would definitely work in the trade for a quality contractor and look to buy in or out that company. Starting from scratch is quite risky, and extremely volatile in the dips in the economy.”

Finding the Right Employer

Weston Zimmerman, founder of SynkedUP, experienced a transformative shift in how he viewed employment, one that ultimately prepared him for entrepreneurship.

Starting as a teenager at Tussey Landscaping installing water features and koi ponds, Zimmerman admits he was initially “your average employee” who “worked hard when I was there, but I wanted the Fridays off and I wanted to go do this, I want to go do that.”

Everything changed after he got married and his priorities shifted. At an Aquascape convention in Chicago, hungry to make more money, he approached CEO Greg Wittstock about job opportunities.

“He looked at me like I had three heads,” Zimmerman said. “And I said, ‘Well, I just want to make more money,’ and you can see that he had heard this 100 times. He said, ‘Go back and talk to your boss and ask him what can you do to make the company more money, so that you can make more money.’”

Zimmerman never looked at employment the same way again.

“My mindset, my perspective as an employee shifted forever from that moment on,” he said.

That shift led Zimmerman to become not just a crew lead, but also Director of Marketing at Tussey, launching their social media presence, YouTube content, filming and editing, and managing their website.

Both Zimmerman emphasizes that not all employment experiences are created equal.

“There’s a key ingredient that has to exist and that is the owner of that company has to be willing to give you the autonomy. I could’ve had the exact same story at Tussey Landscaping, but with a different owner that wasn’t willing to give me the rope to climb and it would’ve failed for both of us,” Zimmerman said.

Instead, Zimmerman was able to really have a seat at the table at Tussey and started to offer ideas for business processes and process optimization. That experience eventually led him to founding SynkedUP, a software company that’s transforming how hardscaping businesses operate.

“I actually would probably encourage going and working for someone for a while, but I would also say in the same way that the employer is interviewing you, in your own mind be interviewing the employer,” Zimmerman said. “If you’re going to work for someone, be considerate and thoughtful about who you’re choosing to work for because that’s a key part of the equation in making that successful.”

Built for Independence

Outside of three years in the military, Gary Stowe, President of Stowe Contracting, Inc., has worked for himself since he was 13. For him, entrepreneurship isn’t just a preference, it’s a necessity.

“I’m not a good employee,” Stowe said. “That’s kind of what people need to understand if they want to go in business. It can’t be, ‘I’d like to go in business.’ It’s, ‘I have to go in business.’”

Stowe’s career path in hardscaping has been unconventional. With a nursing degree and three years in the Army, he spent a decade running an auto repair shop before transitioning to construction in the late 1980s. But while these fields seem widely varied, Stowe said they all really come down to his passion for fixing things.

Each career shift also taught him something valuable about business operations, pricing, and customer relationships, lessons that helped him build a successful hardscaping company.

One pivotal lesson came during his struggling years in the auto repair business. Working 70-hour weeks, he accompanied his wife to their accountant for tax preparation. The accountant looked at their returns and said, “You know, you can apply for food stamps if you want.”

“That was kind of an epiphany for me,” Stowe said. The turning point came when he realized he needed to bid jobs properly and account for real overhead costs. “You can’t look at the job—the parts, the pieces of the job, the labor it takes to do the job—that’s only one small part of it. You’ve got overhead of just being in business, and you have to recognize that.”

For Stowe, the appeal of entrepreneurship is clear.

“The ability to make your own decisions, the flexibility to do that. The ability to turn down customers if it becomes necessary, to pick and choose who your customers are, the type of work you want to do,” he said.

He acknowledges the demands are real and that it is not a traditional 9-5 job. He keeps a notepad by his bed because he wakes up thinking about work and he stresses the constant planning and organization required to run a company. But despite the challenges, he’s found deep satisfaction in his path.

“It’s a very fulfilling lifestyle. It’s a great way to employ yourself and others,” he said. “It gives you a great deal of satisfaction, and it’s well worth all the heartache that you go through.”

The Employee’s Path

Elias Null, Optimas Specialist at Pave Tool, pushes back against the cultural assumption that entrepreneurship is the only path to success or fulfillment.

“Society pushes to have your own business and be your own boss. And that’s great! That really is awesome, but different personalities are different, and you don’t actually need to be your own boss to have a good life,” Null said.

For him, the focus isn’t on titles or ownership, it’s on personal growth.

“The goal for myself would be to be the best version of myself that I can be,” he said. “Life is like a creek, and if you’re just sitting on a creek in a kayak or canoe, you’re going to end up downstream. You have to stay rowing upstream if you’re going to have a better life.”

Null’s perspective is a reminder that career success isn’t one-size-fits-all. For those who thrive in structured environments and prefer to focus on craft over business operations, the employee route can be just as rewarding.

Finding Your Path Forward

Determining the right path for you really depends on honest self-assessment. Consider these questions:

Are you willing to learn the business side? As Hughes and Stowe discovered, field skills alone won’t sustain a company. You need to understand estimating, overhead, taxes, and cash flow or be willing to learn.
Are you energized or drained by business management tasks? If paperwork, bidding, payroll, and planning excite you—or at least don’t exhaust you—entrepreneurship might fit. If you’d rather focus purely on the craft, employment could be your path.
How do you handle uncertainty and financial pressure? Hughes notes that even with an established company, “there were a few times where work was sparse. Very stressful when you have a fairly large monthly payment on a business.” Can you weather those storms?
Do you need autonomy to be happy? Stowe’s realization that he couldn’t work for others came from recognizing his personality. Some people thrive with structure and clear expectations; others suffocate under them.
Can you find the right mentor? Both Zimmerman and Hughes benefited enormously from employers willing to invest in their growth. If you choose employment, choose carefully.

There’s no single right answer. The hardscaping industry has room for all approaches.

Whether you choose to work for a quality contractor, buy into an existing business, or strike out on your own from day one, success comes down to dedication, continuous learning, and being honest about who you are and what you need to thrive.

The Surprising Skill That Will Set You Apart in Hardscaping: Making a Phone Call!

If you’re looking to break into the hardscaping industry, you might have been focused on learning the technical skills, such as how to lay pavers, build retaining walls, operate equipment, or studying materials or sales techniques.

But there’s one skill that could set you apart from other job candidates and make you incredibly valuable to potential employers from day one – the ability to pick up the phone and actually talk to people.

Why This Skill Makes You Instantly Valuable

According to Vanessa McQuade, a marketing expert who works extensively with landscape and hardscaping professionals, “It seems super basic. But that is a huge thing. People are scared of the phone.”

McQuade has access to extensive call tracking data across the hardscaping industry, and what she’s discovered should get your attention.

“One of the biggest things for landscapers and hardscapers is they’re not picking up their phone,” she said.

Business owners are literally losing money because they can’t or won’t handle incoming calls properly.

Even when many professionals do answer their phones, they can miss crucial opportunities.

“If they do pick it up, just answering with a really nice voice makes all the difference,” McQuade said.

That first interaction sets the tone for everything that follows.

Standing Out in the Hiring Process

As a marketer, when McQuade asks hardscaping professionals what makes them different from their competitors, she’s looking for unique selling points.

One response that doesn’t come up nearly often enough? “We pick up our phone.”

“It honestly, is a huge difference,” she says. “It can be a good way to stand out among the crowd.”

As a job seeker, you can use this same principle.

When you’re interviewing for hardscaping positions, most candidates will talk about their physical abilities, their willingness to work hard, or their basic knowledge of the industry.

But imagine being able to tell a potential employer, “I understand that phone communication is crucial to your business success. I’m comfortable speaking with customers, I can represent your company professionally, and I know that every call could be worth thousands of dollars to your bottom line.”

If you can position yourself as someone who understands these challenges and has the skills to help solve them, you become much more than just another hire.

How to Develop This Skill Now

Particularly for Gen Z job seekers, there has not been as much opportunity to practice making and receiving telephone calls. It’s no longer the main function of phones. While people can do basically anything on their phone, the default is texting or voice notes or online chats.

Before you even have a job in hardscaping, you can work on developing your phone communication skills by doing the following:

Practice professional phone etiquette. Encourage friends or family to call you and work on answering calls with enthusiasm and clarity. Your greeting should immediately convey professionalism and helpfulness.

Learn to ask good questions. Practice gathering information over the phone. You’ll need this if you need to ask about projects, timelines, and customer needs in your hardscaping role.

Understand the business impact. Study how customer communication affects hardscaping business success so you can speak intelligently about it during interviews.

Role-play customer scenarios. Practice handling different types of calls – initial inquiries, follow-ups, scheduling, and problem-solving – with friends, family members, or other job seekers.

Your comfort with this skill can be a game-changer. When you walk into an interview, you’re offering to solve a real business problem that’s costing hardscaping companies money every day.

Your technical skills will develop with experience, but your ability to communicate professionally with customers is something you can master right now. It might just be the skill that gets you hired!

An Oasis of Opportunity at SkillsUSA 2025

Every year, the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) looks forward to one of the most exciting events in the trades: the SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference.

SkillsUSA brings together an estimated 15,000 students, teachers, education leaders, and representatives from 650 national corporations and trade associations. With over 6,500 students competing in 114 hands-on skill and leadership competitions, the energy was absolutely electric.

For many students, SkillsUSA marks their first real exposure to such a wide range of career possibilities. Bryan Horr, P.E., Division Engineer of Segmental Pavements at CMHA, wants them to understand the benefits of a career in hardscaping.

“We always talk about working outside, being your own boss, lots of room to grow,” he said. “You don’t need to go to college—that’s one way you can go, but there are different paths. You can go through the trades or you can start your own business. The career opportunities are endless in the hardscaping field.”

CMHA uses their booth at SkillsUSA to creates an environment where young people can truly envision themselves building a future in hardscaping.

Horr described the CMHA booth as “kind of an oasis in the conference center.” Unlike the typical booths, the CMHA space featured beautiful hardscaping elements like pavers arranged into an inviting patio area, complemented by trees, bushes, plants, and flowers that created a refreshing green contrast.

“We had a lot of people come to the booth to talk to me about what was going on,” Horr said. “We’re a big attraction because we’re a green area with plants and trees and hardscaping items. It really stands out from all the other trades at the event.”

Embodying the real-world problem-solving and precision skills used in hardscaping, one of the highlights at the booth was CMHA’s “Tetris Tumble” game. Using large Tetris-shaped blocks, competitors had to carefully balance pieces on a rocking board, with the goal of making their opponent’s tower tumble first.

Winners earned a special edition CMHA SkillsUSA pin—a highly coveted item in the conference’s famous pin-trading tradition. These pins became an instant hit and helped draw a steady stream of curious students to the booth.

Horr said he enjoyed chatting with students who stopped by to explore their options.

“The thing that I was hoping students take away is that there are so many opportunities out there for their careers, their growth, and their development,” Horr said. “Just keep their minds open and do what they enjoy. If they like to be outside, hardscaping is a great opportunity. They’re just at the beginning of their lives, so there are many opportunities out there.”

CMHA’s participation in SkillsUSA is an ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of hardscaping professionals. Each year, CMHA returns with renewed energy and fresh ideas for connecting with students who might find their calling in the hardscaping industry.

Learn more about career opportunities in hardscaping and how you can get involved in shaping the future of our industry.

Commercial vs. Residential Hardscaping: Which Path is Right for You?

For those considering a career in hardscaping, one of the decisions you may face is whether to focus on residential projects or commercial installations.

While the fundamental techniques may be similar, these two paths offer different experiences, challenges, and rewards. As an aspiring or early career hardscaper, it is worth exploring both to see which might be the right fit for you.

Understanding the Two Paths

At its core, hardscaping involves the same materials and installation techniques whether you’re working on a backyard patio or a shopping center plaza. The primary differences lie in the scale, design process, client relationships, and business operations.

Residential projects commonly are referred to as Design-Build. This is because the contractor provides both the design and build services to the homeowner. Most commercial projects are Design Specification where the owner provides details, developed by a third party, of the methods and materials needed to achieve the wanted outcome. In commercial projects the hardscape contractor is usually a subcontractor, typically working for the general contractor who in turn has a contract with the owner.

Residential hardscaping typically involves working directly with homeowners on custom projects for their personal property. These jobs might include backyard patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and retaining walls—all designed to enhance a family’s outdoor living experience. The work is highly personalized, often creative, and involves significant client interaction.

Commercial hardscaping usually involves larger-scale projects for businesses, developers, or government entities. These might include parking lots, plazas, walkways for shopping centers, or hardscaped areas for apartment complexes. The work tends to follow pre-established plans created by landscape architects or engineers, with less room for on-site creativity but greater emphasis on efficiency and adherence to specifications.

Understanding Payment Terms
For most residential projects payment terms favor the contractor. Usually there is a large, up front payment and final payment is due within days of completion.

For commercial projects payment terms generally favor the owner and/or general contractor. Payment terms are defined by the contract. Payments often don’t start until there is materials on site and they are typically due in 30 or 60 days after invoicing. Depending on the contract, there may be progress payments. Payment for completion of the project may take even longer and it isn’t uncommon to have 120 days. Also there is typically a 10% retainage/holdback which is kept to address issues that may appear well after the completion date. Retainage/Holdbacks may take a year or more to be released. Subcontractors don’t get their retainage/holdback until the owner releases the GC’s retainage/holdback and this may not even happen due to issues related to other subcontractor’s work, over which you have no control over.

Residential projects are typically smaller in scale, so you can do more in a year, lower total cost, but they earn higher margins.

Commercial projects are typically larger in scale, so you will only do a few a year, they have a higher total cost, but lower margins. Focusing your company on a specific market and optimizing your company based on these general principles can make your company very profitable.

The Residential Experience: Creativity and Connection

Harrison Woytko, President of Boulder Landscape, LLC, primarily focuses on residential projects. He was drawn to this sector for its creative possibilities and the opportunity to provide excellent customer service.

“From a creativity and expanding your knowledge perspective, I think the residential market offers much more,” Woytko said. “If you’re someone with creative skills or if you want to see different projects at different houses in different neighborhoods and meet different homeowners, there’s lots of opportunity and freedom there.”

This variety extends beyond just creative expression. Residential hardscapers often build meaningful relationships with their clients.

“We’re pretty good at the back-and-forth with a residential customer. We’re good at having a kitchen table talk. We can listen to somebody and we can pivot and come up with a better solution or something that’s more tailored for them,” Woytko said.

These personal connections often make the work more rewarding.

“Homeowners might have saved their money for 10 years to build a patio so they’re invested,” said Frank Gandora, President of Creative Hardscape Company. “You have great interaction with these people. They’re grateful that you’re doing it, and it’s a very positive situation.”

Woytko said that customer service piece also plays a role when hiring for his team.

“From a hiring perspective, we’re looking for someone with a positive attitude along with good customer service skills. It doesn’t mean that every employee has to have a one-on-one conversation with the homeowner when they come home every day or that they have to make the sale and engage them, but it’s important that they’re respectful, have a good attitude, and have social intelligence when it comes to interacting with others,” he said.

The Commercial Landscape: Scale and Structure

Commercial hardscaping offers its own set of advantages and challenges. These projects are typically larger in scale, more structured in their execution, and often involve working with other construction trades as part of a larger development project.

“In commercial work, you have engineers, you have architects, a landscape architect. They designed the plans. They create the elevations. They create all the data you need to do a commercial job. There are plans, specifications. They tell you the methodologies and how to install it in most of the cases,” Gandora said. “What’s being used on a commercial job is your labor.”

These projects present the opportunity to hone in on a particular skill—such as laying pavers across expansive plazas or courtyards—and execute it with precision. They also highlight how strong teamwork and coordination are essential to bringing large-scale visions to life. With multiple teams working in tandem under tight deadlines and strict specifications, commercial hardscaping becomes a lesson in efficiency, communication, and collaboration.

Finding Your Path Forward

Ultimately, the choice between commercial and residential hardscaping isn’t necessarily permanent. Many professionals start in one sector and transition to the other as they gain experience, move locations, or as market conditions change.

“I don’t know if you have to pick an avenue. I just think it’s how you can cater to your customer, whether that customer is a large general contractor or production home builder or Mr. and Mrs. Jones with a residential project on their home,” Woytko said. “For someone just getting into the business or maybe starting to work for a company, I think it’s really dependent on your market and where you see your vision going.”

Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Quality Work

Hardscaping is a trade built on trust, relationships, and reputation.

Delivering high-quality work is one of the most effective ways to establish a strong professional reputation. A well-executed project not only satisfies your client but can also lead to repeat business and valuable word-of-mouth referrals.

Reliable and Trustworthy

Your reputation is your most valuable asset in the hardscaping industry. When clients and contractors know they can count on you for top-tier work, they’re more likely to refer you to others and bring you back for future projects.

“For job seekers in the hardscaping industry, reputation is everything. Start by mastering the fundamentals—pay attention to detail, work efficiently, and always strive for quality. Be reliable and professional in every situation, no matter how large or small the opportunity is,” said Trevor Fearn, VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc.

Andrew Vear, a longtime installer and consultant, also emphasized the importance of reliability and trust. He recommends maintaining strong relationships with past clients.

“They’ve already done business with you, they already trust you. They’re the best people to do business with,” Vear said.

A Job Well Done

Jason Stewart, owner of JPAVE, shared that having a reputation for high-quality work has earned him repeat business and new contracts. “I get hired in a lot of times because of my quality, and to clean up somebody’s mess,” Stewart said.

For Nelson Braybrook, owner of Call Nelson Landscaping in Mississauga, Ontario, word-of-mouth referrals have been a driving force in his success. One of his early projects led to a lasting connection with a family who was so impressed with his craftsmanship and professionalism that they sought him out and tracked him down years later, even after he left his previous company. That single job sparked a chain reaction, with their friends and colleagues at the local college continuing to recommend him.

“Somehow, I ended up in this college network with everybody,” he said. “And it just worked out really well.”

Braybrook attributes this loyalty to the high standards he sets for himself and his work. Clients know they are getting quality craftsmanship, honest service, and a finished project they can be proud of.

“They know they’re getting a good job. They know their money’s not going to get stolen from them, and they’re not just going to get generally ripped off,” Braybrook said. “They know they’re going to get a quality project.”

A job well done doesn’t just lead to satisfied clients—it creates advocates who will recommend you to their friends, family, and colleagues. On the flip side, poor craftsmanship can do just as much damage to your career as quality work can build it.

“If you can get three referrals from a good job, that’s great,” Vear said. “But 100 people will see a bad job.”

Sloppy work, delays, and lack of professionalism can quickly tarnish a hardscaper’s reputation, making it harder to land jobs in the future.

The Role of CMHA in Building Your Reputation

Organizations like the Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association (CMHA) provide hardscapers with valuable training, certifications, and mentorship to help them refine their craft.

“Always be willing to learn and grow—whether that means seeking mentorship, taking certification courses, or attending industry events,” Fearn said.

By taking advantage of these resources, professionals and aspiring hardscapers can gain the skills needed to consistently produce high-quality work that builds their reputation.

While quality work is a key driver of success, reputation is also built through professional networks. Be sure to check out our companion blog post, Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building Your Reputation Through Professional Networks, on how networking and industry connections can take your career to the next level.

Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Professional Networks

While delivering high-quality work is essential for building a strong reputation in hardscaping, professional relationships play an equally crucial role.

Networking within the industry can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, and valuable mentorships that help long-time hardscapers and aspiring hardscapers grow in their careers.

The Importance of Community and Mentorship

Cultivating strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities and ensure a steady flow of projects.

“Word-of-mouth has been one of the most influential factors in my hardscaping career. Building strong, respectful relationships helps you become a top choice for referrals. One of the fastest ways to achieve this is by responding to all inquiries promptly—whether you have the answer or not. Quick responses show that you’re engaged, reliable, and committed to addressing people’s needs, which builds trust and confidence. While it may seem simple, this habit fosters respect and strengthens professional connections,” said Trevor Fearn, VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc.

Trevor Fearn (center) is pictured with his colleagues at Hardscape North America.

“By prioritizing responsiveness and reliability, I’ve been able to unlock new opportunities and advance my career. Being at the top of a professional’s referral list is a powerful asset in this industry.”

Organizational Support

Organizations like the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA) support both the craftsmanship and relationship-building aspects that are key to a good reputation in the industry. Industry events and trade shows offer invaluable networking opportunities for both new and experienced hardscapers.

Vear strongly recommends attending trade events like Hardscape North America, which is hosted by CMHA. These gatherings provide not just education but crucial networking opportunities with manufacturers and fellow professionals.

“If you can get to HNA, that’s absolute—you have to go to that. If you’re in this industry and you don’t go to HNA, you are missing out on everything,” Vear said.

For Dan Hughes, President and Owner of Segmental Systems Inc., building a national network of hardscapers has been integral to growing his skills and knowledge. He credits CMHA with the connections that have bolstered his business into an industry leader.

“I used to look at these guys that were involved and they’re writing articles and magazines, and they’re doing stuff. And I know who these guys were. As I got involved in the organization, I’m actually now friends with these guys that used to be my mentors,” Hughes said. “…And I’ve made some great friends. But it’s being involved that really grew me as a professional and really elevated my level of knowledge in the industry. The discussions that I have, both within meetings and outside meetings, with these individuals are some of the best, most intelligent conversations you can have about the industry.”

Dan Hughes, President and Owner of Segmental Systems Inc. (center) is pictured at Hardscape North America.

Unlocking Opportunities Through Networking

Networking is also about maintaining existing relationships. Whether it’s keeping in touch with past clients, staying active in professional circles, or engaging with peers online, relationships built over time can lead to unexpected job opportunities and partnerships.

“Networking is key to growing in this industry. I stay active in professional associations like CMHA, attend trade shows, and participate in training workshops to connect with peers and suppliers. Social media platforms, such as LinkedIn, also help me showcase my work and engage with others in the field. Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with industry professionals has opened doors to new opportunities and collaborations,” Fearn said.

“The key is to provide value—whether that’s sharing insights, offering help, or simply staying in touch consistently.”

For job seekers looking to break into hardscaping, the key to success lies in both relationships and quality work. Your reputation will determine how many doors open for you, and word-of-mouth can be your strongest asset. Be sure to check out our companion blog post, Reputation Matters in Hardscaping: Building a Reputation Through Quality Work, on how delivering high-quality work strengthens your professional reputation.

Hardscaping: The Perfect Career for Lifelong Learners

A Strong Foundation for Success

Lee Krinzman, Director of Education & Certification at the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association (CMHA), said there are comprehensive educational opportunities available to industry newcomers and veterans alike.

“For anyone new to hardscaping, Hardscapingis.com is the perfect place to start. The site outlines training and educational opportunities, industry insights, and career guidance to help build a strong foundation,” Krinzman said. “Hardscaping offers a variety of career paths—including installation, design, sales, and business ownership—and the website outlines these opportunities to help you find the right fit. With these resources, you’ll gain the skills and confidence with the right footing to start a successful hardscaping career!”

Staying the Course

What makes hardscaping particularly appealing to learning enthusiasts is its multi-faceted nature. Each specialization requires its own set of skills and knowledge, allowing professionals to continuously expand their expertise or even transition between different roles as their interests evolve.

“CMHA offers four main installer courses for anyone in the Hardscaping or Masonry Industry. We have numerous other certificate courses for people new to the industry, sales staff, and those who just want to know best practices in the industry,” Krinzman said. “Over the past 2-3 years, CMHA has updated our installer courses with best practices for the industry and we encourage anyone looking to learn more to take our courses.”

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Andrew Vear, a hardscaping industry consultant with decades of experience in installation, said he encourages people to jump at any opportunity to take a CMHA course.

“It’s one of the best ways to just gain knowledge about what you’re doing and why you’re doing something. Why are we putting in 6 inches of base? Why are we putting 8 inches of base? Why we would only need to put in 4 inches? I mean it explains all of these things so it’s not a mystery,” Vear said. “…The CMHA courses are a huge leap forward. It’s so much easier when you take a class that is in your field. It’s not like a math class where you are like, ‘I don’t understand how all this goes together.’ It’s specifically designed for the installation of pavers so you’re taking a real shortcut. You’re not learning a bunch of stuff you don’t need.”

Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Continuing education and staying updated with evolving industry standards are crucial for hardscaping career longevity.

In addition to a formal education and taking courses, connecting with professionals, attending trade shows, and joining trade organizations can help hardscapers stay informed about emerging trends and new technologies.

“Networking with industry experts, joining trade organizations, and staying updated on trends through webinars and trade shows can further enhance knowledge and skills,” Krinzman said. “The more hands-on practice and industry exposure they gain, the more confident and prepared they’ll be for a successful career in hardscaping.”

Online resources, including YouTube tutorials, webinars, and social media communities, can provide further opportunities to learn and grow.

“Stay curious, adaptable, and committed to learning. The more knowledge and experience you gain, the greater your potential for success,” Krinzman advised.

For lifelong learners, hardscaping provides more than just a career – it offers a path of continuous growth and achievement. With a wide array of educational resources, diverse specialization options, and a strong emphasis on practical skill development, the field perfectly suits those who find joy in learning and satisfaction in mastering new challenges.

Inspiring Artistry and Creativity in Hardscaping: Lessons from JPave’s Award-Winning Project

Breaking into the hardscape industry can feel like a big leap, but the recent 2024 Hardscape North America (HNA) Awards was a reminder that great things come from creativity, passion, and a willingness to push boundaries. With a remarkable 215 project submissions across 19 categories submitted in 2024, the competition highlighted the creativity and expertise within the field.

Among the standout projects was one that should especially inspire newcomers to the field: JPave’s “Grown Expectations,” a residential patio that redefines what’s possible in small spaces.

Jason and Jennifer Stewart, owners of JPave in Smithville, MO, took home top honors in the Segmental Concrete Pavement – Residential (less than 3,000 square feet) category. Their award-winning patio design used a combination of brickwork and pavers to create the impression of a vine weaving through the space, connecting a pergola, firepit, water feature, and dining area.

For Jason Stewart, this design was a long time in the making.

“I actually designed a variation of that idea for two prior customers, but nobody ever wanted it until this customer. I think with this particular project, the space that was allowed, the things they already had in place, and what they wanted and requested, it just flows so beautifully,” he explained.

For those new to the industry, Jason’s experience highlights the importance of finding a balance between artistic vision and customer needs. It’s all about understanding your clients’ preferences and finding creative ways to bring those ideas to life. This project, for instance, stayed true to the home’s overall aesthetic.

“It was a traditional design. The home is a traditional home. The front is all red brick, so it definitely matched the style of the home,” Jason shared. “I did present two other ideas that were more modern and contemporary designs to the same customer, and this is what they chose.”

For anyone starting out, one of the most inspiring aspects of “Grown Expectations” is the way it combines so many skills, including hardscaping, carpentry, boulder coring, lighting, wall building, staining, and even some coppersmithing. Jason’s advice? Don’t shy away from challenges.

“Since I was the installer and the designer, I knew my capabilities,” he noted. “Don’t be afraid to design and install. We did have to do a lot of stuff here. That wasn’t all interlocking pavement. There were water features, electrical pumps. There’s a curved pergola in it where there’s actually carpentry and woodwork. There are walls in there.”

Jennifer added, “Don’t be afraid to try the hard stuff. He knew it was going to be difficult, and that execution was going to be different and one of a kind, and he was not afraid of it. He went in full force and just knocked it out of the park.”

The Stewarts hope this recognition will open doors for new design opportunities and inspire others in the hardscaping community to explore their creativity.

“I’m hoping to gain more design work off of it,” Jason said. “We definitely wanted to show what you can do with a small space and it doesn’t look crowded at the same time… You could scoot the table and chairs out of the way, and it could be a dance floor for sure.”

Whether you’re just starting in the hardscaping field or looking to push your designs further, remember that every project is an opportunity to learn, innovate, and inspire. JPave’s “Grown Expectations” is proof that with a clear vision and a fearless approach, you can create spaces that not only stand out but also resonate with your clients and bring their dreams to life.

Making a Great Impression: Interview Tips for Hardscaping Job Seekers

Your resume has caught the eye of the recruiter and you’ve made it to the interview round!

But like any field, landing a hardscaping job means nailing the interview.

If you’re preparing for an interview in hardscaping, you want to make sure you’re not just another candidate but someone who stands out as prepared, passionate, and capable. Here are some tips from a few industry veterans to help you make a great impression.

Do Your Research

Before stepping into your interview, take time to research the company. Show that you’ve taken an interest in their work and operations. This doesn’t mean just skimming through their website; dig a little deeper. Follow the company on social media platforms, check out their recent projects, and familiarize yourself with the types of work they do.

“Knowing a little bit about the company is so important because it shows that you take initiative…It’s always a compliment for an employer to hear that someone is following the company online or on social media, but in a subtle way. Saying, ‘Hey, you know I’ve been following you guys and some of the things I love that you do that really draws me to your company is this,’” said Frank Bourque, a Landscape and Hardscape Business Consultant and the founder and host of the Landscape & Hardscape Business Success Summit.

“If someone shows up and they’ve never been on the website, they’ve never looked at what we do, and they don’t really know if we do landscaping or hardscaping or planting flowers, it’s not necessarily a turnoff, but then you’re just like anybody else that shows up at the door.”

Bourque recommends preparing some examples specific to the company you are interviewing with and being prepared to talk about how you relate to that type of work.

Be Ready with Real-World Examples

If you have prior experience, definitely bring it up in the interview. But even if you don’t have direct experience in hardscaping, you can relate your past work or activities to the demands of the industry.

“Even if you’ve never been in the industry, maybe having some examples of where you’ve brushed against the industry. I don’t care if it’s your mother that put in a paver driveway one day, right? But at least that shows me that they understand what we’re doing and what the industry is about,” said Travis Hilldore, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Pathfinder Systems.

“If you have no experience in hardscaping, make it relatable to something else. Like, ‘Hey, I’ve worked outside. I love that type of work. I know it’s tough. I know long hours outside means having to get ready for your day and to bring lunch,’” Bourque said. “They sound so basic, but these things are so important.”

Bourque said this kind of example shows him that a candidate is motivated and prepared. He also noted that sharing experience working with a team can be helpful.

“If working with a team is part of what you like to do then you’re going to be a great fit for a lot of companies just to start with,” Bourque said. “Because if you’re coachable, you have the right attitude, you seem like you’re organized, you seem like you know what you want to do, those are, I would say, at the top of the list of what employers look for in our industry.”

Showcase Your Soft Skills

The hardscaping industry is not just about skills with tools or equipment; it’s also about teamwork, communication, and reliability. You can prepare concrete examples that highlight your ability to collaborate, problem-solve, and adapt to changing conditions.

“Describe some challenges that you faced in the past, and how you overcame these. It could be having a problem and problem solving with the team and then reaching out to the owner to make sure that it’s a good solution, instead of just presenting a problem to the employer,” Bourque said.

“Employers love to hear how you’ve solved problems because business owners hear problems all day long. They would much prefer hearing, ‘Hey, here’s the issue. But here’s three examples of how we could probably solve this.’”

According to Bourque, employers appreciate candidates who understand the importance of teamwork and reliability.

“For example, when you don’t show up, it impacts the whole team. It might even change the whole day for everybody else around you. So, when you’re able to demonstrate that you have self-awareness, that you know that your behavior is going to impact others, that says a lot. That shows maturity,” Bourque said.

You can also show examples of when you’ve had to adapt to new roles or challenges quickly.

“Be able to show some examples of how over time you’ve been given more responsibility. It shows how you can show up when you’re needed for these things and be consistent at it. I think these are the soft skills that will stand out,” Bourque said.

Hilldore said he likes to ask questions that stretch a candidate’s knowledge and show him how they approach different situations.

“I like to lead with, ‘Hey, there’s no right or wrong answer on this, however, if you ran into a situation where you’re the only one in the office, because we travel quite a bit, and a customer called you up asking very specific questions about a piece of equipment. How would you handle that?’” Hilldore said.

“That just gives me a good feel for their communication style, how quickly they can pick up on the information that’s on our website, things like that. Whether they would lie or not is a big one…You get to see their thought process.”

Come Prepared and Presentable

While many jobs in the hardscaping industry may not require a suit and tie, first impressions still matter. Dress appropriately for the company culture and bring a notebook to the interview.

“To me, something that’s impressive is somebody who shows they’re fairly organized. A notebook with them to take notes, pre-prepared questions,” Hilldore said. “Showing up a little bit early. Looking somebody in the eye while talking to them.”

Pre-preparing questions is a huge plus and demonstrates that you’re serious about the opportunity. Ask about the company’s current projects, what they’re looking for in a team member, or how you can grow within the company.

“If they’re asking about the culture and they’re asking about opportunities for growth. I think that shows some motivation,” Hilldore said.

“I always joke around about that. Everybody talks about their business being a family. Well, frankly speaking, I’d rather be with my actual family on Christmas and Thanksgiving. But we are a close-knit team, and we rely on each other. So, if they’re asking questions about how they can integrate within a group, it shows somebody who is looking to fit in somewhere,” Hilldore said.

After the Interview

The top candidates know the impression they leave doesn’t end when the interview does and they follow up with their interviewer afterward.

A simple email to thank the interviewer for their time and consideration can help keep you top of mind.

“I’d say it’s 50-50 that people even email you and say, ‘Hey, thanks for the interview.’ That used to happen a lot more,” said Trevor Fearn, the VP Operations at CornerStone Wall Solutions Inc. “Now it really makes you stand out.”

Preparing for a hardscaping job interview is all about demonstrating your readiness for the job. If you follow these tips, you’ll shine as a candidate.

Still in the job application stage? Check out our tips on crafting a compelling resume.

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